Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender

The Lavandula genus, Lamiaceae family, comprises 20 species of shrubs and subshrubs native to the Canary Islands, the Azores and the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentata, Lavandula x intermedia (hybrid), Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula lanata, Lavandula spica, Lavandula latifolia.

Common names: English lavender, True lavender, Common lavender, Garden lavender. This species is native to the Mediterranean region.

They are shrubby or sub-shrubby plants of low and compact bearing that reach 50 cm (1.64 feet) in height. They have aromatic greenish-gray leaves, opposite arrangement and linear shape. The abundant flowers (violet, blue, pink or white) appear in spikes on the leaves and produce a pleasant aroma; they attract butterflies and bees. They bloom in summer.

English lavender is used in rockeries, to form groups, to cover dry and sunny areas of the garden and in pots for terraces, balconies and patios. It's ideal for coastal gardens due to its resistance to salinity. The aroma repels aphids and mosquitoes and the cut flowers are used in cabinets to repel moths.

Lavandula angustifolia needs full sun exposure and a temperate climate. It resists frost.

Common lavender grows in poor, rocky and sandy soils, better if they are limestone.

True lavender is a easy to grow plant that does not usually need watering because it's maintained with the little Mediterranean rain.

Fertilize with manure in autumn and with mineral fertilizer in early spring.

After flowering it is advisable to prune the entire crown to maintain a compact appearance.

Lavandula angustifolia is a very resistant plant to the most common pests and diseases but is sensitive to overwatering.

Garden lavender propagate by cuttings in summer or late winter.

Images of the plant Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender